Owning your own practice is not easy as there are many challenges to face, but it can be done with the right help and support. It's important to have the right people around you and not to feel like you have to do it all alone.

I set up the 'Mental Dental – a group for dentists in crisis' Facebook group in 2017, in response to hearing a lot of frustration and seeing a lot of stress amongst colleagues. I felt there was a need for a space for people to discuss issues and to support each other, especially through the tougher times.

As a profession, we need to pull together, so we can make a stronger case for better working lives for dentists and better care for our patients.

Lauren Harrhy, practice owner

BDA elections 2018: take a seat on our board

Five seats are up for election on our Principal Executive Committee (our 'board). We are looking for passionate and proactive people to step up and lead the BDA, as well as steer the future of dentistry. If you've got what it takes, nominate yourself now.